 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: janlynn
Date: 2002-05-13 20:17
if a clarinet isnt broken or anything - does it need to go in for a tune up? my neice has been playing a new leblanc vito right out of the box for 2 years, and next year when she goes to 5th grade she will be starting band. i notice, her tone is very flat and im afraid she will stand out becuz of this, but i cant convince her parents to bring the clarinet to a repair shop since its not broken. so, im wondering - is that the right thing to do? and if so - what do i tell her parents are the reasons?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-05-13 21:13
If the clarinet plays a low E easily and does not squeak, chances are it is in good shape. Flateness is more a result of a weak embouchure than an "out-of-sorts" instrument. Have her play a low C or some other easy note, and while she is sustaining the tone, gently try to wiggel the clarinet with your hand on the barrel. This will cause her to tighten her embouchure and should raise the tone a bit. Also go over the pointers of a good embouchure--flat chin, enought mpc in mouth, firm corners (but no smile), etc. Also make certain the reed is at least the equivelant of a VanDoren #2 or 2.5. A worn out or too soft reed will also cause tone and pitch problems. Other posters may have other pointers that I have have missed--hope this bit helps. Good Clarineting!!! (If a repair is needed, try a "playing condition only" tune-up)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Meri
Date: 2002-05-13 22:08
Tell them it's like getting a car tuned up: a car runs better when it's in good mechanical shape, and the same thing goes for instruments.
Even better, if the student can feel the difference between an instrument that has recently been tuned up versus one that hasn't been in a few years. The recently-tuned up instrument will have a key action that is smooth (not sticking or clacking), the L. E/B and the L. F/C mechanism will be in proper alignment, (if the L. E/B or the L. F/C has a delay in going down compared to the R. E/B or the R. F/C alone, it is not), which is really important in passages that require alternating between the right and left hand--especially fast ones) Show them the difference too.
It doesn't cost very much, and, depending on who you use, you might even get the job done for free.
Meri
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-05-14 13:12
A clarinet needs a "100,000 note tuneup" about once a year. There will always be tiny leaks that develop, the joints need to be checked and the key mechanism needs a bit of lubrication. For young players, who aren't reliably careful about swabbing, the bore and particularly the mouthpiece need to be gently but thoroughly cleaned. This will make a substantial difference in how the instrument plays and isn't terribly expensive.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Curt
Date: 2002-05-16 18:47
"Tuning up" an instrument in a repair sense should ideally be done continually. It is best if the player has some ability to fix leaking pads, replace corks and make key timing adjustments. If this type of work is done by the performer, the, "is it me or this instrument?" question will come up much less.
When the player needs a second opinion or needs some custom, tuning, or bore work done, then he or she should take it to a repair tech. Certainly that is all contingent on the players ability to be patient and learn a little instrument repair.
Curt Altarac
Curt@MusicMedic.com
www.MusicMedic.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: janlynn
Date: 2002-05-16 19:50
okay - but the player is 10yrs old.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
